HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a notice to all new parents, highlighting a way in which they may be entitled to receive extra cash.
The UK's tax, payment and customs authority posted an update on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, directed at those who have recently welcomed a new baby. The post highlights that new parents are eligible to claim Child Benefit, a supplementary payment made to parents or carers designed to assist with the costs of raising a child.
What HMRC's update says
It reads: "Just had a baby? Congratulations! If you or your partner earn between £60,000 and £80,000, you can still claim Child Benefit. Our new digital service lets you pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge through your salary – no tax return needed."
A claim for Child Benefit can be submitted 48 hours after registering the birth of your child, or once a child comes to live with you.
How much you can get and backdating rules
Child Benefit can be backdated by up to three months from the date the claim is submitted. Currently valued at £27.05 per week for the first child and £17.90 for any subsequent children, it can be claimed by those responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 should they remain in approved education or training.
Only one person can receive Child Benefit for a child, meaning you will need to determine whether it is more beneficial for you or your partner to make the claim. Whoever does so will accumulate National Insurance credits towards their state pension, which can plug gaps in your record if you are not working or do not earn sufficient wages to make National Insurance contributions.
How Child Benefit is paid
Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks on a Monday or Tuesday. If you are a single parent or receiving certain other benefits, such as Universal Credit, you may be able to have the payments made on a weekly basis instead.
